January 9 Tsentralny District Court Judge Alena Tsalkova issued a verdict on the administrative case against the coordinator of the civil initiative "Stop Drinking – Start Living!" Dzmitry Karashkou. He was sentenced to a fine of 10 basic units (1.3 million rubles) for holding an anti-alcohol picket.

Judge Alena Tsalkova decided that by holding pthe icket Dzmitry Karashkou violated Article 23.34 of the Administrative Code (violation of the rules for holding mass events). The judge referred to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, in particular, the right of citizens to peaceful assembly, if it is not contrary to the "public order, health, morals of the citizens". Alena Tsalkova concluded that the punishment of the activist under Article 23.34 of the Administrative Code was not contrary to the International Covenant.

Dzmitry Karashkou pleaded innocent, and added that he considered his actions lawful, referring to Article 35 of the Constitution of Belarus.

Bear in mind that on November 11 the coordinator of the civil campaign came to the executive committee with a banner "Stop the sale of alcohol near schools" and was detained by police.

"My picket did not contradict the public interests. The authorities must not close their eyes to alcoholism, but they cannot bear seeing any protest or activity on the part of citizens. The court decision was expected for me," said the activist.